Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own.

Checklist for buying a house

Download our simple checklist and make sure you don't miss a key detail when inspecting and buying a house.

When buying a house, you'll look at a variety of different homes, and it can be tough to keep straight in your head which properties made what impression. That's why we've created a home buying checklist.

You can print copies of the checklist from the link below, and take it with you to inspections.

Download our home buying checklist

1. Preparation

2. Location

  • Is it close to infrastructure such as train stations or bus stops?
  • Is it close to hospitals and schools?
  • Is the neighbourhood safe?
  • Is it reasonably quiet?
  • Is it flood or bushfire prone?
  • What are the local council regulations around renovations or extensions?

3. Exterior

  • Is the exterior of the house in good condition, free from cracks or defects?
  • Is the roof in good condition?
  • Are the windows and doors in good condition?
  • Are the gutters and downpipes in good condition?
  • Is the property connected to electricity and sewer?
  • Does the land provide sufficient space for additions?
  • Is the property fenced, and is the fencing in good condition?

4. Interior

  • Are the walls in good condition, free from holes or cracks?
  • Is there any sign of mould or damp?
  • Are the floors level and undamaged?
  • Are there sufficient power points?
  • Is all plumbing in good working order?
  • What appliances and furnishings are included in the contract, and are they in working order?
  • Are there telephone, cable and/or Internet connections?

5. Contract and title

Compare mortgages for first home buyers

{"visibility":"visibilityTable","ctaLabel":"Calculate","tableCode":"SAMPLE_COMPARISON_V2_TEMPLATE","nicheCode":"AUFHL","fields":[{"name":"LOAN_AMOUNT","value":"150000","options":"","label":"Borrowing amount","suffix":"$","useSuffixAsPrefix":true,"useDropDownOption":false,"tooltip":""},{"name":"PERIOD","value":"30","options":"","label":"Period","suffix":"years","useSuffixAsPrefix":true,"useDropDownOption":false,"tooltip":""}]}
1 - 20 of 54
Name Interest Rate p.a. Comparison Rate p.a. Fees Monthly Payment
Principal & Interest20% min. depositOwner-occupierRefinance
Interest Rate
5.74%
Comparison Rate
5.65%
Fees
Application: $0
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$876
Go to siteMore Info
Principal & Interest40% min. depositOwner-occupier
Interest Rate
5.99%
Comparison Rate
5.99%
Fees
Application: $0
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$900
Go to siteMore Info
Principal & Interest10% min. depositOwner-occupierOffset account
Interest Rate
6.15%
Comparison Rate
6.15%
Fees
Application: $0
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$915
Go to siteMore Info
Principal & Interest10% min. depositOwner-occupier
Interest Rate
6.04%
Comparison Rate
6.06%
Fees
Application: $0
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$905
Go to siteMore Info
Principal & Interest40% min. depositOwner-occupier
Interest Rate
6.24%
Comparison Rate
6.26%
Fees
Application: $0
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$924
Go to siteMore Info
Principal & Interest5% min. depositOwner-occupierOffset account
Interest Rate
6.04%
Comparison Rate
6.07%
Fees
Application: $0
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$905
Go to siteMore Info
Principal & Interest50% min. depositOwner-occupierOffset account
Interest Rate
5.99%
Comparison Rate
6.03%
Fees
Application: $600
Ongoing: $395 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$900
Go to siteMore Info
Principal & Interest10% min. depositOwner-occupierOffset account
Interest Rate
5.97%
Comparison Rate
6.12%
Fees
Application: $250
Ongoing: $10 per month
Monthly Payment
$898
Go to siteMore Info
Principal & Interest20% min. depositOwner-occupierOffset account
Interest Rate
6.04%
Comparison Rate
6.08%
Fees
Application: $595
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$905
Go to siteMore Info
$2,000 refinance cashback offer
Eligible refinancers who apply online and borrow $250K+ (LVR 80% or lower) can get a $2,000 cashback. Terms and conditions apply.
Principal & Interest30% min. depositOwner-occupierOffset account
Interest Rate
5.98%
Comparison Rate
5.98%
Fees
Application: $0
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$899
Go to siteMore Info
Principal & Interest30% min. depositOwner-occupier
Interest Rate
6.04%
Comparison Rate
6.04%
Fees
Application: $0
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$905
Go to siteMore Info
Principal & Interest20% min. depositInvestmentRefinance
Interest Rate
6.04%
Comparison Rate
5.95%
Fees
Application: $0
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$905
Go to siteMore Info
Principal & Interest20% min. depositInvestment
Interest Rate
7.49%
Comparison Rate
7.50%
Fees
Application: $0
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$1,049
Go to siteMore Info
Finder AwardPrincipal & Interest40% min. depositOwner-occupierOffset account
Interest Rate
6.24%
Comparison Rate
6.49%
Fees
Application: $0
Ongoing: $248 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$924
Go to siteMore Info
Principal & Interest 2Y Fixed20% min. depositOwner-occupier
Interest Rate
5.99%
Comparison Rate
7.76%
Fees
Application: $0
Ongoing: $395 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$900
Go to siteMore Info
Finder AwardPrincipal & Interest20% min. depositOwner-occupierOffset account
Interest Rate
6.30%
Comparison Rate
6.55%
Fees
Application: $0
Ongoing: $248 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$930
Go to siteMore Info
Principal & Interest5% min. depositOwner-occupierOffset accountSpecial Offer
Interest Rate
6.19%
Comparison Rate
6.22%
Fees
Application: $0
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$919
Go to siteMore Info
Principal & Interest 5Y Fixed10% min. depositOwner-occupierOffset account
Interest Rate
6.45%
Comparison Rate
6.28%
Fees
Application: $0
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$945
Go to siteMore Info
Principal & Interest20% min. depositOwner-occupier
Interest Rate
6.30%
Comparison Rate
6.32%
Fees
Application: $0
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$930
Go to siteMore Info
Principal & InterestOwner-occupierOffset account
Interest Rate
6.19%
Comparison Rate
6.23%
Fees
Application: $600
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$919
Go to siteMore Info
loading
Showing 20 of 54 results

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and 6. Finder Group Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Go to site